PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF HERCULES WHEREAS, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is an annual celebration observed in May to recognize the historical and current contributions of individuals and groups of communities from the entire Asian continent, including East, Southeast and South Asia, the Hawaiian islands, and Pacific Island decent within the United States; and WHEREAS, AANHPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese and Chinese immigrants that envisioned a better life for themselves and their families and instead were greeted with anti-Asian racism and violence, racist exclusion and disenfranchisement. Their legacy of strength and perseverance laid the groundwork for future generations and leaders including Filipino farmworker Larry Itliong, who organized laborers and demanded better wages and working conditions, Lieutenant Susan Ahn Cuddy, WWII Navy gunnery officer and the first Korean American woman in the U.S. military, and Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian elected into the House of Representatives in 1956 who lobbied to end restrictions to citizenship for Indian and Filipino immigrants.
WHEREAS, AANHPI Asian American and Pacific Islanders continue to be a vital and large part of the Bay Area community accounting for 27% of the population of which 64% are immigrants continue to help shape all facets of our society, culture and daily life as educators, service men and women, artists, athletes, community builders, activists and leaders.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Dion Bailey, Mayor of the City of Hercules, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby recognize May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Hercules. I urge all citizens to learn more about the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and their lasting contributions that impact our community and nation today.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed this 13th day of May. __________________________________
Dion Bailey, Mayor